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Variety in Valencia

Holidays to Valencia exude vibrancy and character, preserved tradition and great food in the blazing sunshine, a dream for holidaymakers looking to escape the busy areas and retreat to a serene sunny spot.

From the medieval architecture to the beautiful beaches, Valencia holidays are as varied as they are idyllic. Bask in the sun in the many parks, people-watch in the central plaza or gorge on some delicious food in the many fantastic restaurants. Families will love sightseeing here, while couples can relax and soak up the romance as surrounding cities such as Benidorm and Alicante attract most of the tourists.

Sun and Fun

The striking architecture in Valencia City adds character to the region and maintains old town charm. Gothic and renaissance structures sit alongside art nouveau buildings creating a striking and monumental landscape. Valencia is one of the few places in the world that claims to host the Holy Grail, the cup Jesus drank from at the last supper. Such claims are overshadowed by the cathedral containing the cup, as the intricate design sits majestically in the city.

Warm winter evenings mean holidays in Valencia can be taken advantage of throughout the year. If you’re visiting in March be prepared for things to get a little hotter than usual, as Las Fallas takes place this time of year. For five days, residents pay homage to St. Joseph the saint of carpenters by burning enormous figurines. The celebration is accompanied by street food and parades, with locals dressing up for the occasion and really getting in to the spirit of things.

The coast on Valencia holidays is lined with amazing beaches welcoming those in search of solitude away from the inner city and nearby tourist areas such as Madrid. Experience a true sense of solitude, as bars and cafes are sparse, leaving you to enjoy the natural surroundings inclusive of golden sand and glistening seas. If you’ve forgotten your picnic, fear not, as the restaurants in Valencia serve some of Spain’s best cuisine, leaving food-lovers spoilt for choice when deciding what to indulge in.

Romance

Embarking on a romantic break for two in the warm surroundings of Valencia? Then booking in a trip to Jardin De Ayora is a must. Roam around these romantic gardens at your leisure, winding your way to the fairy-tale palace in the middle. You may just find the prince you were looking for.

Cuisine

Valencia is known for two things – its juicy oranges and perfectly produced rice. The locals pride themselves on offering the best of both, all year around. Therefore, finding a decent restaurant that serves well-made Paella isn’t hard to do. Pato a la naranja is another original dish from this area of Spain and consists of the classic duck served with orange sauce.

Hotels

The Hospes Palau de la Mar is situated in the heart of the city, perfect walking distance to the bars and restaurants and only 1km away from the beach. This five star hotel is minimal in style but exudes luxury and is great for a romantic weekend for two.

Things to do

Embrace the local culture whilst on holiday in Valencia by spending a lazy afternoon exploring The Central Market. Located at the Plaza del Mercado, the market is brimming with food and people, as it’s a great place to get a sense of how the locals live, whilst gorging on some delicious tapas, seafood or paella.

Culture

Valencia is a constant hub for cultural activities throughout the year. Not only is it the location for the Formula One European Grand Prix, the close city of Buñol hosts the famous, La Tomatina, an annual tomato fight held in August, which draws international crowds every year.

History

Indulge yourself in a little local history whilst in Valencia. Perfect for the couple or family who like to explore, a trip to Sagunto – a short train ride away – will not disappoint. Famous for its Roman theatre and hilltop castle that stretches over a kilometre, the city was also the first to be attacked by Hannibal!

Eating Out

Founded by Michelin star chef, Quique Dacosta, Mercatbar was an instant success in Valencia. Serving great Tapas and rice dishes at reasonable prices, there’s no wonder everyone is prepared to queue for a seat night after night. If you’re after something a little more refined then book a table at the Michelin-starred Riff restaurant. Offering an eight-course tasting menu, you can sit, drink fine wine and enjoy the array of superbly good food.

Festivals

July, in Valencia, is one of the cities loudest, colourful and most exciting months. The city comes together to celebrate the Feria de Julio, and hosts a month long series of events. It’s a great time to be on holiday in Valencia and become a part of the celebrations.

Attractions

A family holiday in Valencia wouldn’t be complete without visiting the L'Oceanogràfic – one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The park hosts 45,000 examples of 500 different marine species and is perfect for kids who want to have fun whilst learning. Visit their underwater restaurant for a truly magical end to the day.

Museums

The Prince Phillip Museum of Science is a great way to keep the kids entertained whilst allowing them to become immersed within the world of science. This may be one of the only museum’s where getting involved with the artefacts on show is encouraged. They’ll even get a chance to experiment with electricity; their hair will be standing on ends.

Day Trips

Just a few kilometers south of Valencia is Albufera. The natural park is a great day out for all the family to enjoy. Filled with wildlife, wetlands and dunes, there’s plenty to explore, whilst soaking in the breathtaking surroundings.

Hotels

The Olympia in Valencia is the perfect night time haven. With an indoor swimming pool, the kids will kept busy splashing away and escaping the scorching afternoon sun as well as enjoying plenty of food options at the hotel's restaurant and café.

Bars

Valencia’s nightlife is eclectic. You’ll find everything from jazz bars to relaxed traditional Spanish venues, but don’t go out too early, most bars don’t get busy until 11pm. For a trendy and popular bar, try Johnny Maracas and try an Agua de Valencia – Cointreau, orange juice and champagne. Delicious.

Restaurants

Las Cuevas is one of Valencia’s popular restaurants, offering an interesting menu that feeds its experimental guests. Be sure to try their rum-soaked chorizo for a peculiar but mouth-watering dish.

Clubs

If you’re planning a few wild nights out when on holiday in Valencia, then you can’t miss a night out in one of the world's most-famous clubs, Pacha. The Ibiza born house-music-mecca has been one of the biggest clubs in the region since arriving. With a 1200 capacity, there’ll be plenty of people to dance the night away with.

Live Entertainment

Head to Valencia’s Radio City, if you fancy something more traditional but fun, on an evening. The venue plays hosts to several weekly nights, but if visiting on a Tuesday be sure to stop by for the live Flamenco evenings. With a cocktail or two you’ll be on your feet in no time.